Luca Hale trailed behind Vivienne as they moved through the Octaveo Pharmaceutical offices. Most of the employees were absent from the shareholders’ meeting, so when they spotted the chairwoman walking alongside an unfamiliar young man, heads turned and whispers followed.

"Look, isn’t that the chairwoman? Who’s that guy with her?"

"He doesn’t look too bad. They look perfect together."

"Maybe he’s her brother?"

"Brother? Come on, did you see how she was looking at him?"

"Honestly, I think I noticed a blush on her face earlier, could be nothing, but then again... you might be onto something."

By the time the two reached Vivienne’s office, her secretary had already prepared two cups of hot coffee. The woman set them down quietly and slipped out, closing the door behind her with a soft click.

Luca picked up his cup and took a sip. The intense bitterness flooded his mouth. He winced, pressed his lips together, and set the cup back down quickly, almost spilling it.

’One more sip and my sister would need to prepare funeral arrangements.’

"You don’t like it?" Vivienne asked, clearly amused. She stirred her own coffee slowly with a small spoon.

"Not that I don’t like it, I just can’t get into it," Luca said, shaking his head, squinting his eyes. "It’s too bitter, and way too damn hot."

Oddly enough, Luca never had a problem with bitter flavors. In fact, he genuinely loved olives and would snack on them whenever he had the chance. Coffee, however, was a completely different story. From the very first sip, he simply couldn’t stand the taste. No matter how many times he tried it over the years, it never grew on him.

Back when they were younger, his sister loved teasing him about his dislike for coffee, insisting he just had an immature palate. She kept that up until she was finally old enough to try it herself.

The moment the bitter liquid touched her tongue, she immediately spat it back out, her face scrunched in disgust. Luca had laughed so hard his stomach hurt, their Mom watching on couldn’t help but laugh as well, and from that day on, she never brought it up again.

Vivienne’s eyes sparkled with mischief. She leaned in closer, draping one slender, pale arm over his shoulder. Her voice dropped to a teasing whisper against his ear. "Hey Luca, I have some sweet coffee. Want to try it?"

Before he could answer, she brushed the tip of her tongue lightly across his earlobe. The warm, soft sensation sent a shiver racing down his spine, awakening all his senses. He turned to look at her, stunned.

’This woman... she’s really dangerous.’ If he hadn’t seen the evidence on the sheets, the blood stain, with his own eyes, he would have sworn she was an expert. She knew exactly how to read a man. And that skill alone, more than anything, drew him to her.

When Luca stayed speechless, Vivienne tapped his cheek with her index finger. She licked her red lips, gave a playful whistle, and tossed her head so her vibrant hair swayed. "Well? Do you want it or not?"

The move was pure enchantment. Luca felt like a Cobra listening to the melody coming from a snake charmer. He felt like he needed the strength of Hercules just to keep himself in check.

"Yes," he answered immediately.

Vivienne smiled, satisfied. "Good."

She raised her coffee cup, took a slow sip, then leaned closer. Her gaze lingered on his lips for a brief moment before she closed the distance and kissed him.

The faint bitterness of the coffee brushed against his tongue for only an instant before it gave way to a rich, lingering sweetness. It was warm, intoxicating, and far more addictive than the drink itself.

’So this is what she meant by sweet coffee.’

He liked it.

No, he loved it.

His heart fluttered wildly, and he felt as though he might melt right there in his seat.

Luca wrapped his arms around her slim waist and let his hands begin to wander higher.

SNAP!

Vivienne caught his wrist in time and pulled it away, eyeing him with a half-smile. "Luca, you’re not being very honest right now."

"Ahem..." Luca cleared his throat, a little embarrassed at being caught. Still, how was a man supposed to stay still in a situation like this? Especially a man like Luca Hale.

"Alright, you’ve had your compensation. Let me rest a little," Vivienne said. She stretched her arms forward, interlacing her fingers, then slipped off her high heels. Her stocking covered feet looked delicate and pale. She settled comfortably, resting her head on Luca’s lap and closing her eyes.

A soft smile lingered on her lips the entire time. This gentle, relaxed side of her was completely different from the cool, distant chairwoman everyone else knew. Only Luca got to see it. She was like a locked diary, and he alone held the key.

He kept one arm around her waist and gently cradled her face with the other. In that quiet moment, everything felt perfect. Since meeting Vivienne, his whole world had shifted. It had all started that night. Today, finding her again had felt completely natural, as if his arm had always belonged around her.

Lost in thought, Luca’s eyelids grew heavy. Before he knew it, he had drifted off to sleep.

When he woke, Vivienne was no longer in his arms. He could hear faint voices murmuring outside the office door. A moment later, the door opened slowly.

Vivienne, now in soft slippers, crept back in on tiptoe. Luca reacted quickly and closed his eyes again, pretending to sleep.

Even though she moved lightly, he could still hear the soft sounds. He sensed her approaching. After a pause, the sweet scent of roses grew stronger. Warm breath brushed his skin, followed by the gentle press of soft lips against his cheek.

Luca’s eyes flew open. Catching her off guard, he pulled her close and held her tight.

"Ah! Mmm..."

Vivienne’s surprised cry was quickly silenced by his kiss.